Tell us about your involvement with the Chamber

I joined the chamber in June of 2014 and within 2 months had the privilege of becoming an Ambassador for the Chamber and never looked back. The chamber has become such a part of my life I don’t think there is ever a non-BHCC event I attend where I don’t bring up BHCC. Recently, I was at a, “Doing Business in Asia” conference and began speaking with someone about the Beverly Hills Chamber, when low and behold Michelle Green pops up right behind me! During events, whether it’s the Breakfast event, FLAIR, etc., I look for people who are standing around by themselves and try to engage with them so that they have a really positive experience and will want to come back for others! When you are alone, not familiar with anyone, or are not sure what to do at these events, it can be very intimidating. It is such a high to provide them with an enjoyable experience.

Do you have any advice for Chamber Members?

People do business with who they know, like, and trust! So attend as many events as possible and become a familiar face. Don’t expect you are going to strike gold within your first few months of membership. It took me a full year before anything happened. I am not saying it can’t, but a business relationship, like any kind of relationship takes time to cultivate. If you frequently attend and inform people about what you do, at some point your message will start to resonate and people will start to approach you about opportunities. Also, if you don’t know anyone and are looking to connect with specific people during and event, ask Michelle, Elisabeth, or an Ambassador for help. The ambassador team will interact with everyone and probably can connect you with someone and make your evening feel that much more productive!

What is your favorite Chamber event?

I know it sounds cliche but we don’t have an event that I don’t enjoy. The breakfast event is always fun and allows us to catch-up with each other! FLAIR (Finance, Law, Accounting, Insurance, and Real Estate) is always a great time and I’m a wine merchant! The annual Summer Garden Party is not one to be missed, nor is Innovate or the State of City- in short, I do whatever I can to attend as many as possible and highly encourage you to do as well! Also, come hungry, the food is amazing!

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Jeff Forsythe has over 35 years of real estate and construction lending experience on transactions covering a wide variety of product types and sizes. At Torrey Pines Bank’s Beverly Hills office, he is involved in relationship lending for construction, bridge and term real estate loans typically in the $10 million to $50 million range. Forsythe is known for taking on complicated construction projects that require detailed analysis and creative structuring ideas.  Recent transactions include land development and vertical construction for a 200+ home subdivision on some of the last ocean view lots in Orange County. Other recent transactions involved multi-family, shopping centers, office, industrial and mixed-use. Several of his customers are private real estate lenders who improve their returns with warehouse lines provided by the bank.

Tell us about your involvement with the Chamber.

I have served as a Chamber Ambassador for over 4 years.  I also serve as the Chairman of the FLAIR committee

Do you have any advice for Chamber Members?

Get involved!  The Chamber has over 200 events each year, it is easy to find events that you will enjoy and learn from.  You will meet so many friendly people here in Beverly Hills and become involved in the community.  Don’t worry if you are shy, just jump in an introduce yourself, the conversation will flow.

What is your favorite Chamber event?

Very hard to pick, but the Chinese New Year’s event is always over the top! O’Gara Coach is a great host.

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